Washington Heights, NY to New York Mills, NY is 233.1 miles and takes about 4h 39m via NY 17 and the New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region towards its central part. The route offers a mix of highway driving and surface roads, making it a manageable one-day excursion. It's a straightforward drive for anyone looking to cover ground efficiently within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
116.5 miles from Washington Heights, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
117.5 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
85.1 mi
1h 38m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Oriskany Street West
2.1 mi
4m
I 95 EXPR
1.2 mi
1m
North Genesee Street
1 mi
1m
Main Street
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 7 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,026 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~1,234 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
3.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 21 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington Heights, NY and New York Mills, NY.
1
Start on US 9
0.1 mi·26 sec·Broadway
2
Turn right onto US 9
0.1 mi·20 sec·West 179th Street
3
Take the ramp onto US 9
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 9
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, New Jersey
4
Merge onto I 95; US 1; US 9
0.4 mi·43 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
5
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
16
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
17
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
18
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
118 mi·2 hr 15 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 38 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
20
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 790, NY 8, NY 12: UticaUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
22
Keep slight right at fork
159 ft·3 sec
23
Turn slight right onto North Genesee Street
1.0 mi·1 min·North Genesee Street
24
Turn right onto NY 5S
2.1 mi·4 min·Oriskany Street West
25
Continue on NY 5A
0.8 mi·1 min·Oriskany Boulevard
26
Turn left onto Main Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Given this route takes under 5 hours, you can easily complete it in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach New York Mills without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility to pause when needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before any longer stretches on NY 17, as services can sometimes be spaced out. The $38 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting your trip.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 116.5 miles from Washington Heights, NY, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 51 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.5 miles or 2h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York Mills, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Washington Heights, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Washington Heights, NY
This is one driving day of about 233.1 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Washington Heights, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 117.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 24.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
7
9.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17...
8
9.4 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
24.5 mi into trip|~33m in|NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.88 one way
$75.77 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$41.00
$82.01
premium
$4.87
$44.66
$89.31
diesel
$5.40
$49.58
$99.17
Estimated Tolls: $20.25
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(85.1 mi)$4.25
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Tolls
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
EV Charging Along Route
6 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: good
City World Ford Showroom
Bronx, NY
CHARGESMART_EV
4 DCFC
WPL - White Plains Road Municipal Parking Field
Bronx, NY
EV Connect
4 DCFC
C W HYUNDAI CWHUB1
The Bronx, NY
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
NYC FLEET DPR_ICAHN_2_L3
New York, NY
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
NYC FLEET DPR_ICAHN_3_L3
New York, NY
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
NYC FLEET DPR_ICAHN_1_L3
New York, NY
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Network: 4
CHARGESMART_EV: 1
EV Connect: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.9
0
$24.48
$11.19
Efficient EV
58.3
0
$20.40
$9.32
EV Truck/SUV
93.2
1
$32.63
$14.92
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 26, 2026
Origin
Washington Heights, NY
Afternoon
in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
12:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Partly Sunny
NE 10 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 26 at 12:24AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Destination
New York Mills, NY
Afternoon
in New York Mills on Sunday
Local time
12:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 26 at 12:24AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
7 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 39m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
Before the 1960s, almost everything about living authentically as a lesbian, a bisexual person or a gay man was illegal. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for civil r...
The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It offers a profound testament to the enduring legacy of Af...
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of...
Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic. This historic site served as...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 60% of this 233.1-mile drive is on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on NY 17 covering 117.5 miles. You'll transition between the New York State Thruway and surface roads like NY 17 and NJ 17. Expect a blend of high-speed cruising and more local driving as you navigate the state, with a noticeable change in pace as you leave the major arteries.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 233.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Washington Heights, NY to New York Mills, NY, road signs begin pointing toward New York State Thruway North: Albany along the way.
Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 233.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $20.25 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 25 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at New York Mills, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at New York Mills, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
